20,000 gallons of sewage flows into Kalamazoo River

Authorities say about 20,000 gallons of raw sewage flowed into the Kalamazoo River following a power outage at a Battle Creek wastewater plant.

The Battle Creek Enquirer and the Kalamazoo Gazette report that officials on Friday issued a public health advisory following the overflow. Battle Creek Utilities Director Ken Kohs says an electrical short caused a power outage that lasted for a few hours.

The advisory warns people to avoid the water. The results of water testing were expected on Monday.

Last summer, part of the Kalamazoo River was fouled following an oil spill near Marshall. Cleanup continues in the area of the spill.